Art as landscape: The Pollinator Pathway

“Colony collapse began in 2006,” said Seattle artist Sarah Bergmann, formerly of 1506 Projects. “We rely on the European honey bee, but if that relationship does not continue to work out, we need native bees as a backup, and they need homes.”

Enter the Pollinator Pathway, created by Bergmann.

She wants to tear out the grass on the strips between sidewalks and streets, replacing it with mostly native plants. “Grass isn’t useful to pollinators,” she said. “They can’t use it for food or housing. If we repurpose urban spaces, they’ll be more welcoming to native bees, most of which are solitary burrowers living in the ground.”

With a start-up grant from the Department of Neighbors, Pollinator Pathway proposes a widening range of pollinator-friendly gardens using city-owned planting strips in Seattle. The target area is 17 blocks bordered by Seattle University and Nora’s Woods, both known for sustainable landscape programs.

Currently in the design stage, the project is a template for future gardens and intended to spark interest in the ecosystems of urban spaces.

On Nov. 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., anyone can show up at the corner of 27th and Columbia in the Central District to remove grass and prepare soil on an 108-foot demo plot. Bring gloves if you’ve got them, as well as shovels and rakes. Expect snacks. Garden design by Sarah Lawrence.

More info here and here. Questions? E-mail Bergmann at sarahb@drizzle.com.